Pivoting Child Car Seat Latch for Misuse-Resistant Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pivoting child car seats may not correctly lock the upper backrest to the base during transition from installation to utilization positions, potentially leading to unsafe conditions due to incorrect manipulation, and users may not be aware if the locking system is engaged.
Innovation Solution
A child car seat design featuring a dual locking mechanism with a mobile hook and latches that automatically engage in two modes: normal locking during transition and a downgraded locking mode under perpendicular pressure, ensuring the upper backrest is securely affixed to the base, along with a visual indicator to confirm proper locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sliding system with a hook is used to lock the upper backrest to the base, then the seat can be secured in the utilisation position, but incorrect manipulation may cause the locking system to fail to engage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a backup latch mechanism that automatically engages if the primary sliding system fails to lock during pivoting. This preliminary protective measure ensures that even if the user incorrectly manipulates the seat during installation, the backup latch will catch the stop element and secure the backrest to the base, preventing complete locking failure
Solution Approach 2:
The stop element acts as an intermediary component between the backrest and base. It protrudes from the base and is designed to be engaged by either the sliding system or the backup latch, serving as a common locking interface that both systems can utilize to secure the backrest in the utilisation position
2Reliability
If the base has two perpendicular portions for dual-point retention, then safety is improved, but the complexity of the base structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The base is divided into two functionally distinct perpendicular portions: a horizontal portion that receives the seat and provides lower-point retention, and a vertical portion that extends along the backrest and provides upper-point retention with the locking system. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function while contributing to overall safety
Solution Approach 2:
The locking system on the vertical base portion is designed to automatically engage during the pivoting motion from installation to utilisation position. The sliding system and backup latch are pre-positioned to engage with the stop element without requiring additional user actions, thereby providing enhanced safety without adding operational complexity
3Loss of information
If a visual indicator is added to show locking status, then user awareness is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The visual indicator utilizes color changes to communicate the locking status to the user. An indicator element is positioned to be visible through a window in the base, changing its apparent position or color state depending on whether the backrest is properly locked in the utilisation position or remains in the installation position, providing intuitive visual feedback without complex electronics
Data Source
AI summary
A child car seat includes a base and a backrest. The seat is pivotally disposed on the base and may pivot between a utilization position, where the seat faces a road, and an installation position, where the seat is turned toward a door of the vehicle. The seat includes a first locking element disposed on the backrest at a portion of the backrest adapted to abut against a backrest of the vehicle seat and a second locking element disposed on a vertical part of the base. The first locking element includes a mobile hook and a latch to engage the mobile hook. The mobile hook and the latch are locked together in a locked position as the seat is moved to the utilization position. The mobile hook and the latch are disengaged in an unlocked position as the seat is moved to the installation position.